Known as ‘Mr Football’, Murray has been largely credited with making the World Game part of Australian culture.

He leaves behind two daughters, Tania and Natalie.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the family should be offered a state funeral.

"Les is a national icon who did so much to grow the world game and to champion multicultural Australia. He deserves nothing less than the full symphony of tribute and respect," Mr Shorten said in a statement.

"Ultimately it’s a decision for Les’s family, but I think the offer should be made at least. I can think of few people as deserving of this high honour."

I hope the state govt offer Les Murray’s family a state funeral. He deserves nothing less than the full symphony of tribute and respect.

Commentators, politicians and punters alike have expressed their sadness over the loss of veteran football broadcaster Les Murray.

Murray began at SBS in 1980 as a Hungarian subtitle writer.

But his passion for football rapidly brought him into the sports team. By 1986, he was hosting the network's World Cup coverage.

As an SBS football commentator and presenter, he covered eight World Cups, before retiring in 2014. That same year he was also inducted into the FFA Football Hall of Fame.

Tributes have flown from all circles for the football commentator.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull issued his condolences in a Facebook post, saying the Socceroos and Matildas never had a more devoted fan than Murray.

"You championed the beautiful game - The World Game - in Australia over so many years," Mr Turnbull said.

"You and Johnny Warren really made The World Game Australia's game. Rest in peace."

PM Malcolm Turnbull farewells Les Murray

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said it was a sad day not just for the multicultural broadcaster, but sports broadcasting and the football community at large.

“Les was certainly an iconic football presenter, and he did an amazing job for us over 37 years," Mr Ebeid said, paying tribute to Murray's passion to nurture and develop up-and-coming writers and broadcasters.

"Les has mentored many young journalists and young commentators in football over the years," Mr Ebeid said.

"And the one thing he often used to say is 'it's not about us hosts, it's not about us in entertainment, it's always about the game'."